The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate-Chapter 154: New Responsibilities

"How’s Don?" Leonardo asked the very moment Esme made her way downstairs. The room was full, with every gaze turned expectantly towards her, a shared apprehension reflected in their expressions.

"He’s fine now," Esme assured everyone, her voice steady, allowing a collective breath of relief to ripple through the gathering. But amidst the eased tension, Revana’s eyebrow creased into a slight frown as she pondered on Donovan’s predicament

"Did he explain what happened to him? Why he wouldn’t wake up when we found him?" She asked, flexing her wrist, but Esme shook her head slowly. "He didn’t? My hands are still sore from slapping him over and over. It’s a wonder only I can get away with striking the Alpha."

"Besides you being the North’s Luna, Donovan’s presence is second to what’s keeping the Northerners at bay." Acheron added. "He’s an Alpha, and a feared one at that, though he seems pretty harmless but anyways, if the Northerners get a whiff that something’s up with Donovan, they’ll use it to their advantage, and that won’t spell good for either of us."

"Sadly, Archer has a point there," Althea couldn’t help but agree, including everyone else who was present. "I don’t trust these people at all. They may be nice at the front, but honestly, I’m scared. Our safety is on you and Donovan, you know that right?"

Esme nodded, instinctively reaching for Althea’s hand, "Nothing will go wrong, and I promise each of you will be safe. Remember, we spoke about the Royal Boon. I was able to convince the King to return under the condition that I would visit his palace, so long as he refrains from bringing bloodshed to the North . I believe the whole situation will work in our favor."

"But... Milady," Orion couldn’t help but add with a hint of worry, "Is it not too dangerous to visit the palace by yourself? We know so little of what the king has planned, and the risk he poses to you is unknown. I know you are willing to do whatever it takes to protect us, but please tread carefully. Your safety is as important as the cause you fight for. I’m only speaking out of care for Milady."

Atticus inclined his head in agreement, his expression firm with resolve. "We’ll seek permission from the Alpha and personally escort you to the palace if we have to."

"I’ll come too," Leonardo replied. "I know the rules better than anyone. In the meantime, please take care of my brother, and I’ll try to get things sorted out for you before the day of the confrontation."

Esme felt an unfamiliar wave of emotion wash over her. It was rare for her to experience such overwhelming support. Gratitude welled in her chest, and she managed a nod in Leonardo’s direction, her eyes glistening with appreciation. But before she could say anything, Althea enveloped her in a tight embrace, their cheeks pressing warmly together.

"With you and Donovan, everything’s going to turn out perfectly! I just know it!" Althea’s optimism shone through, bringing a smile to Esme’s face. Now that they were both locked in a hug, it dawned on Esme that Althea really gives the best hugs.

After Donovan of course.

Later that day, the elders Esme was supposed to meet, gathered at the second gate, where a narrow, winding path flanked by towering pines led the way. Esme’s carriage rolled slowly over the snow-covered cobblestones, creaking as it approached. Orion and Atticus rode ahead, their presence commanding and alert.

However, they stopped their horses upon sighting the elders ahead, confusion evident on their faces. Though the elders didn’t look pleased to see them as well. The sudden gathering had an unfavorable tension hanging in the air, but neither of them were deterred.

"What is the meaning of this?" Atticus asked.

"Where is the supposed Luna? We want to see her!" one of the Northern members demanded, eyes narrow in disdain. The sharpness of Atticus’s glare silenced all of them momentarily, but defiance shimmered in their stance, resisting any hint of proper decorum.

"And why are you all eager to see her?" Orion asked, his voice cutting through like a blade. "Show some respect, if you have no wish to deal with the consequences of speaking to her in such a manner. The lady has pressing matters, so move aside, or I’ll not hesitate to push through—"

"It’s fine, Orion." Esme interjected softly. She gracefully stepped out of her carriage, adjusting her thick cloak and gloves. The moment her feet touched the ground, the elders couldn’t help but bring up the matter regarding last night.

The meeting they were supposed to have ended on a whim because she left without a word or any explanation whatsoever. The arrogance was certainly uncalled for, and it was not something most Northern men were used to, since Thadius gave them that power to be above women.

An elder named Harrow stepped forward, his voice reverberating through the tense air as he said, "Do you truly believe you can strut around the North after what transpired last night? You claim the title of Luna, but your actions suggest otherwise. How can we trust that you have the best interest of our people at heart? Are you even worthy of leading us if this is how you intend to rule?"

"The North has faced a huge calamity, especially for the homes beyond the gate. Those demons have destroyed half of our people’s homes, and they’re already going through a lot as it is. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Hey!" Orion snapped, but Esme raised her hand, silencing him before he could say anything out of line to them. She faced the circle of elders and politely made her apology.

"I apologize for my conduct yesterday," she began, the wind catching the edge of her cloak, making it billow around her. "The matter I attended to was of utmost urgency. However, before casting further judgment, you should know all the facts. The battle inflicted significant damage on the homes outside the fortress’s gate, and I deeply sympathize with those affected."

She then crossed her arms, her expression resolute. "In response, I took immediate steps last night to ensure the safety of the southern grain reserves and distributed what remained of the furs and timber. It turns out that Thadius stockpiled a decade’s worth of supplies in his fortress, and I made the decision to allocate these resources to the people of the North. If you doubt my words, you need only ask around. I may be new to this role, but I do not take my responsibilities lightly. My father never did, even at the height of his reign."

Esme clapped her hands, signaling for Orion and Atticus to dismount from their horses. They stepped down swiftly and made their way towards the wagons being pushed by a group of burly Northern guards. The sight of the wagon drew the elders’ attention, their eyes shifting from Esme to the wagon as the cover was carefully pulled by Orion and Atticus.

"I was en route to deliver additional supplies and shelter when you intercepted me," Esme began, her tone firm yet composed. "With another blizzard on the horizon and the North already in such dire straits, the people need fat more than fur and timber. If you were really that concerned, then it’s not necessary you have to wait for me to make the move before you do. If you had taken your time to actually observe the snowy lands, you’d get what I’m saying."

Esme knew that arguing would only create more friction with the elders, but she suspected a situation like this would definitely arise, which is why she took some time out to assign the Northern guards to each home beyond the fortress’s gate to shelter the people.

To gain their cooperation, she needed to lead by action and fulfill her new responsibilities, even if it was a role she hadn’t chosen for herself.

Harrow’s scowl deepened, with lines of suspicion etching his weathered face. "If what you say holds any truth, then you won’t object to us joining you on your way to the main Town square. Judging by the amount of supplies, that’s your destination, isn’t it?"

"Yes, you’re right," Esme replied calmly. "However, as you can see, transportation is quite limited, and my carriage is already at a full capacity. Unless the rest of you are prepared for a long walk to the main Town square. Isn’t that right?"

She glanced over her shoulder at Atticus and Orion, who nodded in agreement without a moment’s pause. Esme resisted the sudden urge to laugh, and she turned back to face the puzzled elders who couldn’t believe her words. freeweɓnovel.cøm

"Please, feel free to follow if you can keep up, we’ll be waiting at the Town square. For your information, I’ll be looking into the records of most marriages while I’m at it. I’ve been getting complaints, so your presence is well appreciated."

Showcasing a slight smile, Esme turned her back on them and gracefully stepped into her waiting carriage.